Herbicidal compounds

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method of controlling weeds at a locus, said method comprising application to the locus of a weed controlling amount of a herbicidal composition comprising a compound of Formula (I), or an agronomically acceptable salt of said compounds wherein X, R 1 , R 2 , R 4  and R 5  are as defined herein. The invention further relates novel herbicidal compounds, to herbicidal compositions comprising said compounds and to their use for controlling weeds, in particular in crops of useful plants.

The present invention relates to novel aminotetrazole carboxamide derivatives, to processes for their preparation, to herbicidal compositions which comprise the novel derivatives, and to the use of aminotetrazole carboxamide derivatives as herbicides for controlling weeds, in particular in crops of useful plants, or for inhibiting plant growth.

Thus, according to the present invention there is provided a method of controlling weeds at a locus, said method comprising application to the locus of a weed controlling amount of a herbicidal composition comprising a compound of Formula (I):

-   -   or an agronomically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:—     -   R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆         alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl and C₁-C₆alkoxy-C₁-C₃alkyl;     -   R² is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆ alkyl-, C₁-C₆         haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆alkyl-,         C₁-C₃alkoxy-C₂-C₃alkoxy-C₁-C₃alkyl-, halogen, cyano, nitro,         C₁-C₆alkyl-S(O)p- and C₁-C₆halo alkyl-S(O)_(p)—;     -   X is CR³ or N;     -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen,         C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆halo alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆halo         alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆         alkoxy, C₁-C₆halo alkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆         alkylamino, C₁-C₆ dialkylamino-, piperidino, morpholino, cyano,         C₁-C₆alkyl-S(O)p- and C₁-C₆haloalkyl-S(O)_(p)—;     -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,         C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆haloalkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy-C₁-C₆alkyl, halo, cyano,         nitro, C₁-C₆alkyl-S(O)_(p)— and C₁-C₆halo alkyl-S(O)_(p)—;     -   or R³ and R⁴ together form a saturated 5- or 6-membered ring,         optionally containing an oxygen or a S(O)_(p) heteroatom, the 5-         or 6-membered ring being optionally substituted by one or more         R⁶,     -   R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of, hydrogen, halogen,         C₁-C₆ alkyl and C₁-C₆ haloalkyl (preferably, R⁵ is selected from         the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen (preferably fluorine         or chlorine), C₁-C₆ alkyl and C₁-C₆ haloalkyl. More preferably         R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of chlorine, fluorine         and methyl);     -   or R⁴ and R⁵ together form a 5- or 6-membered aromatic ring,         optionally containing a nitrogen heteroatom, the 5- or         6-membered aromatic ring being optionally substituted by one or         more R⁶;     -   R⁶ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₆alkyl,         C₁-C₆halo alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆halo         alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl-,         C₁-C₆ alkoxy and C₁-C₆halo alkoxy; and     -   p=0, 1 or 2.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of controlling weeds at a locus, said method comprising application to the locus of a weed controlling amount of a herbicidal composition comprising a compound of Formula (Ia):

-   -   or an agronomically acceptable salt thereof,     -   wherein:—     -   R¹ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆ alkyl;     -   R² is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆ alkyl-, C₁-C₆         haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆alkyl-, halogen, cyano, nitro,         C₁-C₆alkyl-S(O)p- and C₁-C₆haloalkyl-S(O)_(p)—;     -   X is CR³ or N;     -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen,         C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆halo alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆halo         alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆         alkoxy, C₁-C₆halo alkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆         alkylamino, C₁-C₆ dialkylamino-, piperidino, morpholino, cyano,         C₁-C₆alkyl-S(O)p- and C₁-C₆haloalkyl-S(O)_(p)—;     -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,         C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆halo alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, halogen,         cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆ alkyl-S(O)_(p)- and         C₁-C₆haloalkyl-S(O)_(p)—;     -   or R³ and R⁴ together form a saturated 5- or 6-membered ring,         optionally containing an oxygen or a S(O)_(p) heteroatom, the 5-         or 6-membered ring being optionally substituted by one or more         R⁶,     -   R⁵ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆ alkyl;     -   or R⁴ and R⁵ together form a 5- or 6-membered aromatic ring,         optionally containing a nitrogen heteroatom, the 5- or         6-membered aromatic ring being optionally substituted by one or         more R⁶;     -   R⁶ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₆alkyl,         C₁-C₆halo alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆halo         alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl-,         C₁-C₆ alkoxy and C₁-C₆halo alkoxy; and     -   p=0, 1 or 2.

The following preferences exist with regard to the compound of Formula (I) and Formula (Ia).

Preferably, R¹ is methyl.

Preferably, R² is selected from the group consisting of methyl, fluoro, chloro, trifluoromethyl and methyl-S(O)₂—.

Preferably R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, trifluoromethyl and methyl-S(O)₂—.

In a particular embodiment, R⁵ is hydrogen or methyl.

Halogen (or halo) encompasses fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. The same correspondingly applies to halogen in the context of other definitions, such as haloalkyl or halophenyl.

Haloalkyl groups having a chain length of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms are, for example, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 2-fluoroethyl, 2-chloroethyl, pentafluoroethyl, 1,1-difluoro-2,2,2-trichloroethyl, 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoroethyl and 2,2,2-trichloroethyl, heptafluoro-n-propyl and perfluoro-n-hexyl.

Alkoxy groups preferably have a chain length of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Alkoxy is, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, isobutoxy, sec-butoxy or tert-butoxy or a pentyloxy or hexyloxy isomer, preferably methoxy and ethoxy. It should also be appreciated that two alkoxy substituents present on the same carbon atom may be joined to form a spiro group. Thus, the methyl groups present in two methoxy substituents may be joined to form a spiro 1,3 dioxolane substituent, for example. Such a possibility is within the scope of the present invention.

Haloalkoxy is, for example, fluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy, 2-fluoroethoxy, 2-chloroethoxy, 2,2-difluoroethoxy or 2,2,2-trichloroethoxy, preferably difluoromethoxy, 2-chloroethoxy or trifluoromethoxy.

C₁-C₆alkyl-S— (alkylthio) is, for example, methylthio, ethylthio, propylthio, isopropylthio, n-butylthio, isobutylthio, sec-butylthio or tert-butylthio, preferably methylthio or ethylthio.

C₁-C₆alkyl-S(O)— (alkylsulfinyl) is, for example, methylsulfinyl, ethylsulfinyl, propylsulfinyl, isopropylsulfinyl, n-butylsulfinyl, isobutylsulfinyl, sec-butylsulfinyl or tert-butylsulfinyl, preferably methylsulfinyl or ethylsulfinyl.

C₁-C₆alkyl-S(O)₂— (alkylsulfonyl) is, for example, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, propylsulfonyl, isopropylsulfonyl, n-butylsulfonyl, isobutylsulfonyl, sec-butylsulfonyl or tert-butylsulfonyl, preferably methylsulfonyl or ethylsulfonyl.

Alkylamino is, for example, methylamino, ethylamino, n-propylamino, isopropylamino or a butylamino isomer. Dialkylamino is, for example, dimethylamino, methylethylamino, diethylamino, n-propylmethylamino, dibutylamino or diisopropylamino. Preference is given to alkylamino groups having a chain length of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Alkoxyalkyl groups preferably have from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Alkoxyalkyl is, for example, methoxymethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxymethyl, ethoxyethyl, n-propoxymethyl, n-propoxyethyl, isopropoxymethyl or isopropoxyethyl.

The present invention further provides a method of controlling weeds at a locus, said method comprising application to the locus of a weed controlling amount of a herbicidal composition comprising a compound of Formula (Ib):—

-   -   or an agronomically acceptable salt thereof,     -   wherein:—     -   R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆         alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl and C₁-C₆alkoxy-C₁-C₃alkyl (more         preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and         C₁-C₆ alkyl, most preferably methyl);     -   R² is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆ alkyl-, C₁-C₆         haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl-, C₁-C₃ alkoxy-C₂-C₃         alkoxy-C₁-C₃ alkyl-, halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆alkyl-S(O)p-         and C₁-C₆haloalkyl-S(O)_(p)— (more preferably R² is selected         from the group consisting of C₁-C₆ alkyl-, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl-,         C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆alkyl-, halogen, cyano, nitro,         C₁-C₆alkyl-S(O)p- and C₁-C₆haloalkyl-S(O)_(p)—, even more         preferably R² is selected from the group consisting of methyl,         fluoro, chloro, trifluoromethyl and methyl-S(O)₂—);     -   X is CR³ or N (more preferably CR³);     -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen,         C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆halo alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆halo         alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆         alkoxy, C₁-C₆halo alkoxy, C₁-C₆alkoxy-C₁-C₆alkoxy,         C₁-C₆alkylamino, C₁-C₆dialkylamino-, piperidino, morpholino,         cyano, C₁-C₆alkyl-S(O)p- and C₁-C₆haloalkyl-S(O)_(p)—;     -   R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of, hydrogen, halogen,         C₁-C₆ alkyl and C₁-C₆ haloalkyl (alternatively hydrogen or C₁-C₆         alkyl, alternatively hydrogen or methyl); and     -   p=0, 1 or 2.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling weeds at a locus, said method comprising application to the locus of a weed controlling amount of a herbicidal composition comprising a compound of Formula (Ic):—

-   -   or an agronomically acceptable salt thereof,     -   wherein:—     -   R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆         alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl and C₁-C₆alkoxy-C₁-C₃alkyl (more         preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and         C₁-C₆ alkyl, most preferably methyl);     -   R² is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆ alkyl-, C₁-C₆         haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl-, C₁-C₃ alkoxy-C₂-C₃         alkoxy-C₁-C₃ alkyl-, halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆alkyl-S(O)_(p)—         and C₁-C₆haloalkyl-S(O)_(p)— (more preferably R² is selected         from the group consisting of C₁-C₆ alkyl-, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl-,         C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆alkyl-, halogen, cyano, nitro,         C₁-C₆alkyl-S(O)p- and C₁-C₆haloalkyl-S(O)_(p)—, even more         preferably R² is selected from the group consisting of methyl,         fluoro, chloro, trifluoromethyl and methyl-S(O)₂—);     -   X is CR³ or N (more preferably CR³);     -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen,         C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆halo alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆halo         alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆         alkoxy, C₁-C₆halo alkoxy, C₁-C₆alkoxy-C₁-C₆alkoxy,         C₁-C₆alkylamino, C₁-C₆dialkylamino-, piperidino, morpholino,         cyano, C₁-C₆alkyl-S(O)_(p)— and C₁-C₆haloalkyl-S(O)_(p)—;     -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,         C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆halo alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, halo,         cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆ alkyl-S(O)p- and C₁-C₆haloalkyl-S(O)_(p)—         (more preferably R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of         hydrogen, trifluoromethyl and methyl-S(O)₂—);     -   or R³ and R⁴ together form a saturated 5- or 6-membered ring,         optionally containing an oxygen or a S(O)_(p) heteroatom, the 5-         or 6-membered ring being optionally substituted by one or more         R⁶,     -   R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl         and C₁-C₆ haloalkyl (more preferably, R⁵ is selected from the         group consisting of halogen (preferably fluorine or chlorine),         C₁-C₆ alkyl and C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, more preferably R⁵ is selected         from the group consisting of chlorine, fluorine and methyl.         Alternatively,     -   R⁵ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, preferably methyl);     -   R⁶ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₆alkyl,         C₁-C₆halo alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆halo         alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl-,         C₁-C₆ alkoxy and C₁-C₆halo alkoxy; and     -   p=0, 1 or 2.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling weeds at a locus, said method comprising application to the locus of a weed controlling amount of a herbicidal composition comprising a compound of Formula (Id):—

-   -   or an agronomically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:—     -   R¹ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆ alkyl (preferably methyl);     -   R² is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆ alkyl-, C₁-C₆         haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆alkyl-, halo, cyano, nitro,         C₁-C₆alkyl-S(O)p- and C₁-C₆haloalkyl-S(O)_(p)— (more preferably         R² is selected from the group consisting of methyl, fluoro,         chloro, trifluoromethyl and methyl-S(O)₂—);     -   X is CR³ or N;     -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen,         C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆halo alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆halo         alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆         alkoxy, C₁-C₆halo alkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆         alkylamino, C₁-C₆ dialkylamino-, piperidino, morpholino, cyano,         C₁-C₆alkyl-S(O)p- and C₁-C₆haloalkyl-S(O)_(p)—;     -   R⁴ and R⁵ together form a 5- or 6-membered aromatic ring,         optionally containing a nitrogen heteroatom, the 5- or         6-membered aromatic ring being optionally substituted by one or         more R⁶;     -   R⁶ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₆alkyl,         C₁-C₆halo alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆halo         alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl-,         C₁-C₆ alkoxy and C₁-C₆halo alkoxy; and     -   p=0, 1 or 2.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling weeds at a locus, said method comprising application to the locus of a weed controlling amount of a herbicidal composition comprising a compound of Formula (Ie):—

-   -   or an agronomically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:—     -   R¹ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆ alkyl (preferably methyl);     -   R² is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆ alkyl-, C₁-C₆         haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl-, halogen, cyano, nitro,         C₁-C₆ alkyl-S(O)p- and C₁-C₆haloalkyl-S(O)_(p)— (more preferably         R² is selected from the group consisting of methyl, fluoro,         chloro, trifluoromethyl and methyl-S(O)₂—);     -   R⁶ is independently selected from the group consisting of         halogen, C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆halo alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl,         C₁-C₆halo alkoxy-C₁-C₆ alkyl,         C₁-C₆alkoxy-C₁-C₆alkoxy-C₁-C₆alkyl-, C₁-C₆alkoxy and         C₁-C₆haloalkoxy; and     -   n=0, 1, 2 or 3 (preferably 1 or 2); and     -   p=0, 1 or 2.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a compound of Formula (Ic′):—

-   -   or an agronomically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:—     -   R¹ is methyl;

R² is selected from the group consisting of methyl, fluoro, chloro, trifluoromethyl and methyl-S(O)₂—;

-   -   X is CH;     -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,         trifluoromethyl and methyl-S(O)₂—; and     -   R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of chlorine, fluorine         and methyl.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a compound of Formula (Ie) as defined above.

Compounds of Formula I etc may contain asymmetric centres and may be present as a single enantiomer, pairs of enantiomers in any proportion or, where more than one asymmetric centre are present, contain diastereoisomers in all possible ratios. Typically one of the enantiomers has enhanced biological activity compared to the other possibilities.

Similarly, where there are disubstituted alkenes, these may be present in E or Z form or as mixtures of both in any proportion.

Furthermore, compounds of Formula I etc may be in equilibrium with alternative hydroxyl tautomeric forms. It should be appreciated that all tautomeric forms (single tautomer or mixtures thereof), racemic mixtures and single isomers are included within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention also includes agronomically acceptable salts that the compounds of Formula I etc may form with amines (for example ammonia, dimethylamine and triethylamine), alkali metal and alkaline earth metal bases or quaternary ammonium bases. Among the alkali metal and alkaline earth metal hydroxides, oxides, alkoxides and hydrogen carbonates and carbonates used as salt formers, emphasis is to be given to the hydroxides, alkoxides, oxides and carbonates of lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, but especially those of sodium, magnesium and calcium. The corresponding trimethylsulfonium salt may also be used.

The compounds of Formula (I) etc according to the invention can be used as herbicides by themselves, but they are generally formulated into herbicidal compositions using formulation adjuvants, such as carriers, solvents and surface-active agents (SFAs). Thus, the present invention further provides a herbicidal composition comprising a herbicidal compound according to any one of the previous claims and an agriculturally acceptable formulation adjuvant. The composition can be in the form of concentrates which are diluted prior to use, although ready-to-use compositions can also be made. The final dilution is usually made with water, but can be made instead of, or in addition to, water, with, for example, liquid fertilisers, micronutrients, biological organisms, oil or solvents.

The herbicidal compositions generally comprise from 0.1 to 99% by weight, especially from 0.1 to 95% by weight, compounds of Formula I and from 1 to 99.9% by weight of a formulation adjuvant which preferably includes from 0 to 25% by weight of a surface-active substance.

The compositions can be chosen from a number of formulation types, many of which are known from the Manual on Development and Use of FAO Specifications for Plant Protection Products, 5th Edition, 1999. These include dustable powders (DP), soluble powders (SP), water soluble granules (SG), water dispersible granules (WG), wettable powders (WP), granules (GR) (slow or fast release), soluble concentrates (SL), oil miscible liquids (OL), ultra low volume liquids (UL), emulsifiable concentrates (EC), dispersible concentrates (DC), emulsions (both oil in water (EW) and water in oil (EO)), micro-emulsions (ME), suspension concentrates (SC), aerosols, capsule suspensions (CS) and seed treatment formulations. The formulation type chosen in any instance will depend upon the particular purpose envisaged and the physical, chemical and biological properties of the compound of Formula (I).

Dustable powders (DP) may be prepared by mixing a compound of Formula (I) with one or more solid diluents (for example natural clays, kaolin, pyrophyllite, bentonite, alumina, montmorillonite, kieselguhr, chalk, diatomaceous earths, calcium phosphates, calcium and magnesium carbonates, sulphur, lime, flours, talc and other organic and inorganic solid carriers) and mechanically grinding the mixture to a fine powder.

Soluble powders (SP) may be prepared by mixing a compound of Formula (I) with one or more water-soluble inorganic salts (such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate or magnesium sulphate) or one or more water-soluble organic solids (such as a polysaccharide) and, optionally, one or more wetting agents, one or more dispersing agents or a mixture of said agents to improve water dispersibility/solubility. The mixture is then ground to a fine powder. Similar compositions may also be granulated to form water soluble granules (SG).

Wettable powders (WP) may be prepared by mixing a compound of Formula (I) with one or more solid diluents or carriers, one or more wetting agents and, preferably, one or more dispersing agents and, optionally, one or more suspending agents to facilitate the dispersion in liquids. The mixture is then ground to a fine powder. Similar compositions may also be granulated to form water dispersible granules (WG).

Granules (GR) may be formed either by granulating a mixture of a compound of Formula (I) and one or more powdered solid diluents or carriers, or from pre-formed blank granules by absorbing a compound of Formula (I) (or a solution thereof, in a suitable agent) in a porous granular material (such as pumice, attapulgite clays, fuller's earth, kieselguhr, diatomaceous earths or ground corn cobs) or by adsorbing a compound of Formula (I) (or a solution thereof, in a suitable agent) on to a hard core material (such as sands, silicates, mineral carbonates, sulphates or phosphates) and drying if necessary. Agents which are commonly used to aid absorption or adsorption include solvents (such as aliphatic and aromatic petroleum solvents, alcohols, ethers, ketones and esters) and sticking agents (such as polyvinyl acetates, polyvinyl alcohols, dextrins, sugars and vegetable oils). One or more other additives may also be included in granules (for example an emulsifying agent, wetting agent or dispersing agent).

Dispersible Concentrates (DC) may be prepared by dissolving a compound of Formula (I) in water or an organic solvent, such as a ketone, alcohol or glycol ether. These solutions may contain a surface active agent (for example to improve water dilution or prevent crystallisation in a spray tank).

Emulsifiable concentrates (EC) or oil-in-water emulsions (EW) may be prepared by dissolving a compound of Formula (I) in an organic solvent (optionally containing one or more wetting agents, one or more emulsifying agents or a mixture of said agents). Suitable organic solvents for use in ECs include aromatic hydrocarbons (such as alkylbenzenes or alkylnaphthalenes, exemplified by SOLVESSO 100, SOLVESSO 150 and SOLVESSO 200; SOLVESSO is a Registered Trade Mark), ketones (such as cyclohexanone or methylcyclohexanone) and alcohols (such as benzyl alcohol, furfuryl alcohol or butanol), N-alkylpyrrolidones (such as N-methylpyrrolidone or N-octylpyrrolidone), dimethyl amides of fatty acids (such as C₈-C₁₀ fatty acid dimethylamide) and chlorinated hydrocarbons. An EC product may spontaneously emulsify on addition to water, to produce an emulsion with sufficient stability to allow spray application through appropriate equipment.

Preparation of an EW involves obtaining a compound of Formula (I) either as a liquid (if it is not a liquid at room temperature, it may be melted at a reasonable temperature, typically below 70° C.) or in solution (by dissolving it in an appropriate solvent) and then emulsifying the resultant liquid or solution into water containing one or more SFAs, under high shear, to produce an emulsion. Suitable solvents for use in EWs include vegetable oils, chlorinated hydrocarbons (such as chlorobenzenes), aromatic solvents (such as alkylbenzenes or alkylnaphthalenes) and other appropriate organic solvents which have a low solubility in water.

Microemulsions (ME) may be prepared by mixing water with a blend of one or more solvents with one or more SFAs, to produce spontaneously a thermodynamically stable isotropic liquid formulation. A compound of Formula (I) is present initially in either the water or the solvent/SFA blend. Suitable solvents for use in MEs include those hereinbefore described for use in in ECs or in EWs. An ME may be either an oil-in-water or a water-in-oil system (which system is present may be determined by conductivity measurements) and may be suitable for mixing water-soluble and oil-soluble pesticides in the same formulation. An ME is suitable for dilution into water, either remaining as a microemulsion or forming a conventional oil-in-water emulsion.

Suspension concentrates (SC) may comprise aqueous or non-aqueous suspensions of finely divided insoluble solid particles of a compound of Formula (I). SCs may be prepared by ball or bead milling the solid compound of Formula (I) in a suitable medium, optionally with one or more dispersing agents, to produce a fine particle suspension of the compound. One or more wetting agents may be included in the composition and a suspending agent may be included to reduce the rate at which the particles settle. Alternatively, a compound of Formula (I) may be dry milled and added to water, containing agents hereinbefore described, to produce the desired end product.

Aerosol formulations comprise a compound of Formula (I) and a suitable propellant (for example n-butane). A compound of Formula (I) may also be dissolved or dispersed in a suitable medium (for example water or a water miscible liquid, such as n-propanol) to provide compositions for use in non-pressurised, hand-actuated spray pumps.

Capsule suspensions (CS) may be prepared in a manner similar to the preparation of EW formulations but with an additional polymerisation stage such that an aqueous dispersion of oil droplets is obtained, in which each oil droplet is encapsulated by a polymeric shell and contains a compound of Formula (I) and, optionally, a carrier or diluent therefor. The polymeric shell may be produced by either an interfacial polycondensation reaction or by a coacervation procedure. The compositions may provide for controlled release of the compound of Formula (I) and they may be used for seed treatment. A compound of Formula (I) may also be formulated in a biodegradable polymeric matrix to provide a slow, controlled release of the compound.

The composition may include one or more additives to improve the biological performance of the composition, for example by improving wetting, retention or distribution on surfaces; resistance to rain on treated surfaces; or uptake or mobility of a compound of Formula (I). Such additives include surface active agents (SFAs), spray additives based on oils, for example certain mineral oils or natural plant oils (such as soy bean and rape seed oil), and blends of these with other bio-enhancing adjuvants (ingredients which may aid or modify the action of a compound of Formula (I)).

Wetting agents, dispersing agents and emulsifying agents may be SFAs of the cationic, anionic, amphoteric or non-ionic type.

Suitable SFAs of the cationic type include quaternary ammonium compounds (for example cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide), imidazolines and amine salts.

Suitable anionic SFAs include alkali metals salts of fatty acids, salts of aliphatic monoesters of sulphuric acid (for example sodium lauryl sulphate), salts of sulphonated aromatic compounds (for example sodium dodecylbenzenesulphonate, calcium dodecylbenzenesulphonate, butylnaphthalene sulphonate and mixtures of sodium di-isopropyl- and tri-isopropyl-naphthalene sulphonates), ether sulphates, alcohol ether sulphates (for example sodium laureth-3-sulphate), ether carboxylates (for example sodium laureth-3-carboxylate), phosphate esters (products from the reaction between one or more fatty alcohols and phosphoric acid (predominately mono-esters) or phosphorus pentoxide (predominately di-esters), for example the reaction between lauryl alcohol and tetraphosphoric acid; additionally these products may be ethoxylated), sulphosuccinamates, paraffin or olefine sulphonates, taurates and lignosulphonates.

Suitable SFAs of the amphoteric type include betaines, propionates and glycinates.

Suitable SFAs of the non-ionic type include condensation products of alkylene oxides, such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide or mixtures thereof, with fatty alcohols (such as oleyl alcohol or cetyl alcohol) or with alkylphenols (such as octylphenol, nonylphenol or octylcresol); partial esters derived from long chain fatty acids or hexitol anhydrides; condensation products of said partial esters with ethylene oxide; block polymers (comprising ethylene oxide and propylene oxide); alkanolamides; simple esters (for example fatty acid polyethylene glycol esters); amine oxides (for example lauryl dimethyl amine oxide); and lecithins.

Suitable suspending agents include hydrophilic colloids (such as polysaccharides, polyvinylpyrrolidone or sodium carboxymethylcellulose) and swelling clays (such as bentonite or attapulgite).

The composition of the present may further comprise at least one additional pesticide. For example, the compounds according to the invention can also be used in combination with other herbicides or plant growth regulators. In a preferred embodiment the additional pesticide is a herbicide and/or herbicide safener. Examples of such mixtures are (in which ‘I’ represents a compound of Formula I, Ia, Ib, Ic, Ic′, Id, Ie). I+acetochlor, I+acifluorfen, I+acifluorfen-sodium, I+aclonifen, I+acrolein, I+alachlor, I+alloxydim, I+ametryn, I+amicarbazone, I+amidosulfuron, I+aminopyralid, I+amitrole, I+anilofos, I+asulam, I+atrazine, I+azafenidin, I+azimsulfuron, I+BCPC, I+beflubutamid, I+benazolin, I+bencarbazone, I+benfluralin, I+benfuresate, I+bensulfuron, I+bensulfuron-methyl, I+bensulide, I+bentazone, I+benzfendizone, I+benzobicyclon, I+benzofenap, I+bicyclopyrone, I+bifenox, I+bilanafos, I+bispyribac, I+bispyribac-sodium, I+borax, I+bromacil, I+bromobutide, I+bromoxynil, I+butachlor, I+butamifos, I+butralin, I+butroxydim, I+butylate, I+cacodylic acid, I+calcium chlorate, I+cafenstrole, I+carbetamide, I+carfentrazone, I+carfentrazone-ethyl, I+chlorflurenol, I+chlorflurenol-methyl, I+chloridazon, I+chlorimuron, I+chlorimuron-ethyl, I+chloroacetic acid, I+chlorotoluron, I+chlorpropham, I+chlorsulfuron, I+chlorthal, I+chlorthal-dimethyl, I+cinidon-ethyl, I+cinmethylin, I+cinosulfuron, I+cisanilide, I+clethodim, I+clodinafop, I+clodinafop-propargyl, I+clomazone, I+clomeprop, I+clopyralid, I+cloransulam, I+cloransulam-methyl, I+cyanazine, I+cycloate, I+cyclosulfamuron, I+cycloxydim, I+cyhalofop, I+cyhalofop-butyl I+2,4-D, I+daimuron, I+dalapon, I+dazomet, I+2,4-DB, I+I+desmedipham, I+dicamba, I+dichlobenil, I+dichlorprop, I+dichlorprop-P, I+diclofop, I+diclofop-methyl, I+diclosulam, I+difenzoquat, I+difenzoquat metilsulfate, I+diflufenican, I+diflufenzopyr, I+dimefuron, I+dimepiperate, I+dimethachlor, I+dimethametryn, I+dimethenamid, I+dimethenamid-P, I+dimethipin, I+dimethylarsinic acid, I+dinitramine, I+dinoterb, I+diphenamid, I+dipropetryn, I+diquat, I+diquat dibromide, I+dithiopyr, I+diuron, I+endothal, I+EPTC, I+esprocarb, I+ethalfluralin, I+ethametsulfuron, I+ethametsulfuron-methyl, I+ethephon, I+ethofumesate, I+ethoxyfen, I+ethoxysulfuron, I+etobenzanid, I+fenoxaprop-P, I+fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, I+fentrazamide, I+ferrous sulfate, I+flamprop-M, I+flazasulfuron, I+florasulam, I+fluazifop, I+fluazifop-butyl, I+fluazifop-P, I+fluazifop-P-butyl, I+fluazolate, I+flucarbazone, I+flucarbazone-sodium, I+flucetosulfuron, I+fluchloralin, I+flufenacet, I+flufenpyr, I+flufenpyr-ethyl, I+flumetralin, I+flumetsulam, I+flumiclorac, I+flumiclorac-pentyl, I+flumioxazin, I+flumipropin, I+fluometuron, I+fluoroglycofen, I+fluoroglycofen-ethyl, I+fluoxaprop, I+flupoxam, I+flupropacil, I+flupropanate, I+flupyrsulfuron, I+flupyrsulfuron-methyl-sodium, I+flurenol, I+fluridone, I+flurochloridone, I+fluroxypyr, I+flurtamone, I+fluthiacet, I+fluthiacet-methyl, I+fomesafen, I+foramsulfuron, I+fosamine, I+glufosinate, I+glufosinate-ammonium, I+glyphosate, I+halosulfuron, I+halosulfuron-methyl, I+haloxyfop, I+haloxyfop-P, I+hexazinone, I+imazamethabenz, I+imazamethabenz-methyl, I+imazamox, I+imazapic, I+imazapyr, I+imazaquin, I+imazethapyr, I+imazosulfuron, I+indanofan, I+indaziflam, I+iodomethane, I+iodosulfuron, I+iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium, I+ioxynil, I+isoproturon, I+isouron, I+isoxaben, I+isoxachlortole, I+isoxaflutole, I+isoxapyrifop, I+karbutilate, I+lactofen, I+lenacil, I+linuron, I+mecoprop, I+mecoprop-P, I+mefenacet, I+mefluidide, I+mesosulfuron, I+mesosulfuron-methyl, I+mesotrione, I+metam, I+metamifop, I+metamitron, I+metazachlor, I+methabenzthiazuron, I+methazole, I+methylarsonic acid, I+methyldymron, I+methyl isothiocyanate, I+metolachlor, I+S-metolachlor, I+metosulam, I+metoxuron, I+metribuzin, I+metsulfuron, I+metsulfuron-methyl, I+molinate, I+monolinuron, I+naproanilide, I+napropamide, I+naptalam, I+neburon, I+nicosulfuron, I+n-methyl glyphosate, I+nonanoic acid, I+norflurazon, I+oleic acid (fatty acids), I+orbencarb, I+orthosulfamuron, I+oryzalin, I+oxadiargyl, I+oxadiazon, I+oxasulfuron, I+oxaziclomefone, I+oxyfluorfen, I+paraquat, I+paraquat dichloride, I+pebulate, I+pendimethalin, I+penoxsulam, I+pentachlorophenol, I+pentanochlor, I+pentoxazone, I+pethoxamid, I+phenmedipham, I+picloram, I+picolinafen, I+pinoxaden, I+piperophos, I+pretilachlor, I+primisulfuron, I+primisulfuron-methyl, I+prodiamine, I+profoxydim, I+prohexadione-calcium, I+prometon, I+prometryn, I+propachlor, I+propanil, I+propaquizafop, I+propazine, I+propham, I+propisochlor, I+propoxycarbazone, I+propoxycarbazone-sodium, I+propyzamide, I+prosulfocarb, I+prosulfuron, I+pyraclonil, I+pyraflufen, I+pyraflufen-ethyl, I+pyrasulfotole, I+pyrazolynate, I+pyrazosulfuron, I+pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, I+pyrazoxyfen, I+pyribenzoxim, I+pyributicarb, I+pyridafol, I+pyridate, I+pyriftalid, I+pyriminobac, I+pyriminobac-methyl, I+pyrimisulfan, I+pyrithiobac, I+pyrithiobac-sodium, I+pyroxasulfone, I+pyroxsulam, I+quinclorac, I+quinmerac, I+quinoclamine, I+quizalofop, I+quizalofop-P, I+rimsulfuron, I+saflufenacil, I+sethoxydim, I+siduron, I+simazine, I+simetryn, I+sodium chlorate, I+sulcotrione, I+sulfentrazone, I+sulfometuron, I+sulfometuron-methyl, I+sulfosate, I+sulfosulfuron, I+sulfuric acid, I+tebuthiuron, I+tefuryltrione, I+tembotrione, I+tepraloxydim, I+terbacil, I+terbumeton, I+terbuthylazine, I+terbutryn, I+thenylchlor, I+thiazopyr, I+thifensulfuron, I+thiencarbazone, I+thifensulfuron-methyl, I+thiobencarb, I+topramezone, I+tralkoxydim, I+tri-allate, I+triasulfuron, I+triaziflam, I+tribenuron, I+tribenuron-methyl, I+triclopyr, I+trietazine, I+trifloxysulfuron, I+trifloxysulfuron-sodium, I+trifluralin, I+triflusulfuron, I+triflusulfuron-methyl, I+trihydroxytriazine, I+trinexapac-ethyl, I+tritosulfuron, I+[3-[2-chloro-4-fluoro-5-(1-methyl-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-3-yl)phenoxy]-2-pyridyloxy]acetic acid ethyl ester (CAS RN 353292-31-6). The compounds of the present invention may also be combined with herbicidal compounds disclosed in WO06/024820 and/or WO07/096576.

The mixing partners of the compound of Formula I may also be in the form of esters or salts, as mentioned e.g. in The Pesticide Manual, Fourteenth Edition, British Crop Protection Council, 2006.

The compound of Formula I can also be used in mixtures with other agrochemicals such as fungicides, nematicides or insecticides, examples of which are given in The Pesticide Manual.

The mixing ratio of the compound of Formula I to the mixing partner is preferably from 1:100 to 1000:1.

The mixtures can advantageously be used in the above-mentioned formulations (in which case “active ingredient” relates to the respective mixture of compound of Formula I with the mixing partner).

The compounds of Formula I etc according to the invention can also be used in combination with one or more safeners. Likewise, mixtures of a compound of Formula I according to the invention with one or more further herbicides can also be used in combination with one or more safeners. The safeners can be AD 67 (MON 4660), benoxacor, cloquintocet-mexyl, cyprosulfamide (CAS RN 221667-31-8), dichlormid, fenchlorazole-ethyl, fenclorim, fluxofenim, furilazole and the corresponding R isomer, isoxadifen-ethyl, mefenpyr-diethyl, oxabetrinil, N-isopropyl-4-(2-methoxy-benzoylsulfamoyl)-benzamide (CAS RN 221668-34-4). Other possibilities include safener compounds disclosed in, for example, EP0365484 e.g N-(2-methoxybenzoyl)-4-[(methylaminocarbonyl)amino]benzenesulfonamide. Particularly preferred are mixtures of a compound of Formula I with cyprosulfamide, isoxadifen-ethyl, cloquintocet-mexyl and/or N-(2-methoxybenzoyl)-4-[(methyl-amino carbonyl)amino]benzenesulfonamide.

The safeners of the compound of Formula I may also be in the form of esters or salts, as mentioned e.g. in The Pesticide Manual, 14^(th) Edition (BCPC), 2006. The reference to cloquintocet-mexyl also applies to a lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, iron, ammonium, quaternary ammonium, sulfonium or phos-phonium salt thereof as disclosed in WO 02/34048, and the reference to fenchlorazole-ethyl also applies to fenchlorazole, etc.

Preferably the mixing ratio of compound of Formula I to safener is from 100:1 to 1:10, especially from 20:1 to 1:1.

The mixtures can advantageously be used in the above-mentioned formulations (in which case “active ingredient” relates to the respective mixture of compound of Formula I with the safener).

The present invention still further provides a method of selectively controlling weeds at a locus comprising crop plants and weeds, wherein the method comprises application to the locus of a weed controlling amount of a composition according to the present invention. ‘Controlling’ means killing, reducing or retarding growth or preventing or reducing germination. Generally the plants to be controlled are unwanted plants (weeds). ‘Locus’ means the area in which the plants are growing or will grow.

The rates of application of compounds of Formula I etc may vary within wide limits and depend on the nature of the soil, the method of application (pre- or post-emergence; seed dressing; application to the seed furrow; no tillage application etc.), the crop plant, the weed(s) to be controlled, the prevailing climatic conditions, and other factors governed by the method of application, the time of application and the target crop. The compounds of Formula I according to the invention are generally applied at a rate of from 10 to 2000 g/ha, especially from 50 to 1000 g/ha.

The application is generally made by spraying the composition, typically by tractor mounted sprayer for large areas, but other methods such as dusting (for powders), drip or drench can also be used.

Useful plants in which the composition according to the invention can be used include crops such as cereals, for example barley and wheat, cotton, oilseed rape, sunflower, maize, rice, soybeans, sugar beet, sugar cane and turf.

Crop plants can also include trees, such as fruit trees, palm trees, coconut trees or other nuts. Also included are vines such as grapes, fruit bushes, fruit plants and vegetables.

Crops are to be understood as also including those crops which have been rendered tolerant to herbicides or classes of herbicides (e.g. ALS-, GS-, EPSPS-, PPO-, ACCase- and HPPD-inhibitors) by conventional methods of breeding or by genetic engineering. An example of a crop that has been rendered tolerant to imidazolinones, e.g. imazamox, by conventional methods of breeding is Clearfield® summer rape (canola). Examples of crops that have been rendered tolerant to herbicides by genetic engineering methods include e.g. glyphosate- and glufosinate-resistant maize varieties commercially available under the trade names RoundupReady® and LibertyLink®.

Crops are also to be understood as being those which have been rendered resistant to harmful insects by genetic engineering methods, for example Bt maize (resistant to European corn borer), Bt cotton (resistant to cotton boll weevil) and also Bt potatoes (resistant to Colorado beetle). Examples of Bt maize are the Bt 176 maize hybrids of NK® (Syngenta Seeds). The Bt toxin is a protein that is formed naturally by Bacillus thuringiensis soil bacteria. Examples of toxins, or transgenic plants able to synthesise such toxins, are described in EP-A-451 878, EP-A-374 753, WO 93/07278, WO 95/34656, WO 03/052073 and EP-A-427 529. Examples of transgenic plants comprising one or more genes that code for an insecticidal resistance and express one or more toxins are KnockOut® (maize), Yield Gard® (maize), NuCOTIN33BCD (cotton), Bollgard® (cotton), NewLeaf® (potatoes), NatureGard® and Protexcta®. Plant crops or seed material thereof can be both resistant to herbicides and, at the same time, resistant to insect feeding (“stacked” transgenic events). For example, seed can have the ability to express an insecticidal Cry3 protein while at the same time being tolerant to glyphosate.

Crops are also to be understood to include those which are obtained by conventional methods of breeding or genetic engineering and contain so-called output traits (e.g. improved storage stability, higher nutritional value and improved flavour).

Other useful plants include turf grass for example in golf-courses, lawns, parks and roadsides, or grown commercially for sod, and ornamental plants such as flowers or bushes.

The compositions can be used to control unwanted plants (collectively, ‘weeds’). The weeds to be controlled may be both monocotyledonous species, for example Agrostis, Alopecurus, Avena, Brachiaria, Bromus, Cenchrus, Cyperus, Digitaria, Echinochloa, Eleusine, Lolium, Monochoria, Rottboellia, Sagittaria, Scirpus, Setaria and Sorghum, and dicotyledonous species, for example Abutilon, Amaranthus, Ambrosia, Chenopodium, Chrysanthemum, Conyza, Galium, Ipomoea, Nasturtium, Sida, Sinapis, Solanum, Stellaria, Veronica, Viola and Xanthium. Weeds can also include plants which may be considered crop plants but which are growing outside a crop area (‘escapes’), or which grow from seed left over from a previous planting of a different crop (volunteers′). Such volunteers or escapes may be tolerant to certain other herbicides.

The present invention further provides the use of a compound selected from the group consisting of Formula (I), Formual (Ia), Formula (Ib), Formula (Ic), Formula (Ic′), Formula (Id), and Formula (Ie) as a herbicide.

The compounds of the present invention can be prepared according to the following schemes.

In each case, DMAP=4-dimethylaminopyridine, PPAA=1-propanephosphonic acid cyclic anhydride, and the solvent is a non-protic organic solvent such as ethyl acetate.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Synthesis of Compound 1.001 (See Table 1 Below)

To a round-bottom flask containing a magnetic stirrer bar are introduced 2-chloro-4-methylsulfonyl-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxymethyl)benzoic acid (A, 1.05 equiv., 0.3674 g, 1.0596 mmol) and 1-methyltetrazol-5-amine (B, 100 mg, 0.1 g, 1.0091 mmol) then ethyl acetate (10 mL). To the stirred white suspension is then added DMAP N,N-dimethylaminopyridine (2 equiv., 0.2491 g, 2.0182 mmol) and this is stirred for 1 h before adding dropwise a 50% solution of PPAA in EtOAc: 1-propanphosphonic acid cyclic anhydride (50 mass %) in EtOAc (2 equiv., 1.28431 g, 2.0182 mmol).

This is stirred at room temperature for five days and then it is treated by adding water and EtOAc. The organic phase is separated, washed with a 2N aqueous solution of NaOH several times and then it is washed with a saturated solution of NH₄Cl until pH of aqueous acidic (pH 5-6). The organic is then dried over MgSO₄, filtered and evaporated to give after high vac 257 mg of white crystalline solid (yield=59%).

Example 2 Synthesis of Compound 1.005 (See Table 1 Below)

To a round-bottom flask containing a magnetic stirrer bar are introduced N-methyl-1H-tetrazol-5-amine (B, 25 mg, 0.025 g, 0.2523 mmol) and 2-methylsulfonyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid (A, 1.1 equiv., 0.07443 g, 0.2775 mmol) followed by 2 ml of EtOAc.). A fine white solid forms rapidly. To the stirred white suspension is then added DMAP (2 equiv., 0.06226 g, 0.5045 mmol). After stirring for 15 min, a 50% solution of PPAA in EtOAc: 1-propanphosphonic acid cyclic anhydride (50 mass %) in EtOAc (1.5 equiv., 0.2408 g, 0.3784 mmol) is added dropwise at room temperature. During the course of the addition, it all turned to a solution. This is stirred at room temperature for 2 days (or until only very small amount of SM left) and then it is treated by adding water and EtOAc. The aqueous is extracted twice more with EtOAc. The organics are combined, washed with a saturated solution of NaHCO₃ then brine. It is then dried over MgSO₄, filtered and the solvent evaporated to give 36 mg of white solid. It is purified by chromatography using the CombiFlash Rf purification system from Presearch on a 4 g Redisep pre-packed and solid load cartridge. A gradient EtOAc/iso-hexane was used over 25 min with UV detection at 254 nm. Product was isolated as a white solid (13 mg, yield=7%).

Example 3 Synthesis of Compound 1.009 (see Table 1 Below)

Oxalyl chloride (0.576 ml, 6.67 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of 5-chloro 2-trifluoromethyl benzoic acid (500 mg, 2.23 mmol) in HPLC grade DCM(10 ml), containing DMAP. The reaction mixture was then heated to 50° C. for 40 min. The reaction mass was then cooled to room temperature and solvent evaporated to dryness under a nitrogen atmosphere to get crude 5-chloro 2-trifluoromethyl benzoyl chloride. The crude mass was dissolved in 10 ml HPLC grade DCM; N-methyl tetrazol amine (220 mg, 2.23 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture at 0° C. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 10 min. Triethylamine(0.470 ml, 3.36 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture and stirring continued for another 2 hours. The reaction mass was diluted with 50 ml DCM and washed with water (2×20 ml), brine (1×10 ml). The organic phase was separated, drier over Na₂SO₄ and finally evaporated to get crude material, which was purified using ethyl acetate-hexane to get 150 mg pure product as white solid.

Example 4 Synthesis of Compound 1.010 (see Table 1 Below)

Oxalyl chloride (1.23 ml, 14.24 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of 5-fluoro 2-trifluoromethyl benzoic acid (1 gm, 4.81 mmol) in HPLC grade DCM(15 ml), containing DMAP. The reaction mixture was heated to 50° C. for 40 min. The reaction mass was cooled to room temperature and solvent evaporated to dryness under a nitrogen atmosphere to get crude 5-fluoro 2-trifluoromethyl benzoyl chloride.

The crude mass was dissolved in 15 ml HPLC grade DCM; N-methyl tetrazol amine (476 mg, 4.81 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture at 0° C. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 10 min. Triethylamine(1 ml, 7.22 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture and stirring continued for another 3 hours. The reaction mass was diluted with 70 ml DCM and washed with water (2x20 ml), brine (1x10 ml). The organic phase was separated, drier over Na₂SO₄ and finally evaporated to get crude material, which was purified using ethyl acetate-hexane to get 170 mg pure product as white solid.

Example 5 Synthesis of Compound 2.002 (see Table 2 Below)

To a round bottom flask containing a magnetic stirrer bar was introduced 6-fluoro-7-methyl-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acid (1.1 equiv., 0.07608 g, 0.2775 mmol) and N-methyl-1H-tetrazol-5-amine (25 mg, 0.025 g, 0.2523 mmol). The solvent was then added: 2 ml of EtOAc (2 mL) and the mixture stirred. A fine white solid formed rapidly. To the suspension was then added DMAP (2 equiv., 0.06226 g, 0.5045 mmol) and a white solid precipitated out. To this stirred suspension was then added dropwise a 50% solution of PPAA in EtOAc: 1-propanphosphonic acid cyclic anhydride (50 mass %) in EtOAc (2 equiv., 0.3211 g, 0.5045 mmol) being 643 μl. Water and EtOAc were added to the reaction mixture, which was subsequently transferred to a separating funnel then the aqueous was extracted twice more with EtOAc (aqueous pH=2). The organics were combined, washed with a saturated solution of NaHCO₃ (aqueous pH=8) then brine. It was then dried over MgSO₄, filtered and the solvent evaporated to give 82 mg of yellow solid which was checked by NMR.

TABLE C1 Examples of herbicidal compounds of the present invention.

NMR CMP X R¹ R² R³ R⁴ R⁵ ¹H (CD₃OD) 1.001 CR³ —CH₃ Cl —CH₂OCH₂CF₃ —S(O)₂Me H 3.29 ppm (3H, s); 4.09 ppm (3H, s); 4.18 ppm (2H, q); 5.39 ppm (2H, s); 7.92 ppm (1H, d); 8.22 ppm (1H, d). 1.002 CR³ H Cl —CH₂OCH₂CF₃ —S(O)₂Me H 3.29 ppm (3H, s); 4.18 ppm (2H, q); 5.39 ppm (2H, s); 7.87 ppm (1H, d); 8.22 ppm (1H, d). 1.003 CR³ —CH₃ —S(O)₂Me H —CF₃ H 3.41 ppm (3H, s); 4.11 ppm (3H, s); 8.06 ppm (1H, d); 8.20 ppm (1H, d); 8.38 ppm (1H, s). 1.004 CR³ n-Pr —Cl H H Cl 1.005 N —CH₃ -ethyl — —CHFCH₃ H 1.31 ppm (3H, t); 1.71 ppm (3H, dd); 3.07 ppm (2H, q); 4.14 ppm (3H, s, NCH3); 5.70 ppm (1H, m); 7.49 ppm (1H, d); 8.21 ppm (1H, d). 1.006 N —CH₃ -methyl — —CHFCH₃ H 1.70 ppm (3H, dd); 2.79 ppm (3H, s); 4.11 ppm (3H, s); 5.70 ppm (1H, m); 7.54 ppm (1H, d); 8.32 ppm (1H, d); 11.70 ppm (1H, bs, NH). 1.007 N —CH₃ —CH₂OCH₃ — —CHFCH₃ H 1.70 ppm (3H, dd); 3.46 ppm (3H, s); 3.94 ppm (3H, s); 4.90 ppm (2H, m); 5.75 ppm (1H, m); 7.50 ppm (1H, d); 8.24 ppm (1H, d). 1.008 N —CH₃ CH₃OC₂H₄OCH₂— — —CF₂CH₃ H 2.04 ppm (3H, t); 3.13 ppm (3H, s); 3.52 ppm (2H, m); 3.81 ppm (2H, m); 4.06 ppm (3H, s); 4.95 ppm (2H, s); 7.79 ppm (1H, d); 8.36 ppm (1H, d); 10.96 ppm (1H, bs). 1.009 CR³ —CH₃ —CF₃ H H Cl (DMSO): 4.00 ppm (3H, s); 7.87 ppm (1H, d); 7.94 ppm (1H, d); 8.13 ppm (1H, s); 12.00 ppm (1H, s) 1.010 CR³ —CH₃ —CF₃ H H F (DMSO): 3.99 ppm (3H, s); 7.65 ppm (1H, bdd); 7.92 ppm (1H, bd); 8.00 ppm (1H, dd); 11.97 (1H, bs) 1.011 CR³ —CH₃ —NO₂ H F F (DMSO) 4.02 ppm (3H, s); 8.21 ppm (1H, dd); 8.51 ppm (1H, dd); 12.05 ppm (1H, bs) 1.012 CR³ —CH₃ F H Cl Br (DMSO) 3.94 ppm (3H, s); 7.90 ppm (1H, d); 8.24 ppm (1H, d); 11.73 ppm (1H, bs) 1.013 CR³ —CH₃ —NO₂ H H —CH₃ (DMSO) 2.50 ppm (3H, s); 4.02 ppm (3 s); 7.62 ppm (bd); 7.72 ppm (1H, bs); 8.14 ppm (1H, d); 11.90 ppm (1H, bs) 1.014 CR³ —CH₃ —CF₃ H H —CH₃ (DMSO) 2.48 ppm s); 3.98 ppm (3H, s); 7.58 ppm (1H, bd); 7.71 ppm (bs); 7.77 ppm (1H, bd); 11.83 ppm (1H, bs) 1.015 CR³ —CH₃ Cl H H H 1.016 CR³ n-propyl Cl Cl H H

TABLE C2 Examples of herbicidal compounds of the present invention.

NMR Compound R¹ R² R⁶a R⁶b ¹H (CD₃OD) 2.001 H —CF₃ CH₃O— H 4.19 ppm (3H, s); 7.32 ppm (1H, d); 8.41 ppm (1H, d); 8.79 ppm (1H, s). 2.002 —CH₃ —CF₃ —CH₃ F 2.89 ppm (3H, d); 4.08 ppm (3H, s); 8.27 ppm (1H, d); 8.93 ppm (1H, s). 2.003 —CH₃ —CF₃ —CH₃ CH₃O— 2.71 ppm (3H, s); 4.08 ppm (6H, m); 7.82 ppm (1H, s); 8.77 ppm (1H, s).

TABLE C3 Examples of herbicidal compounds of the present invention.

NMR Compound R¹ ¹H (CD₃OD) 3.001 H 2.48 (3H, s, CH₃); 2.60 ppm (2H, m, CH₂); 2.73 ppm (3H, s, CH₃); 3.52 ppm (2H, m, CH₂); 4.21 ppm (2H, m, CH₂); 4.31 ppm (2H, m, CH₂); 7.49 ppm (1H, s, aromatic CH).

Biological Examples

Seeds of a variety of test species are sown in standard soil in pots (Alopecurus myosuroides (ALOMY), Setaria faberi (SETFA), Stellaria media (STEME), Echinochloa crus-galli (ECHCG), Solanum nigrum (SOLNI), Amaranthus retoflexus (AMARE), Ipomoea hederacea (IPOHE), Lolium perenne (LOLPE). After cultivation for one day (pre-emergence) or after 8 days cultivation (post-emergence) under controlled conditions in a glasshouse (at 24/16° C., day/night; 14 hours light; 65% humidity), the plants are sprayed with an aqueous spray solution derived from the formulation of the technical active ingredient in acetone/water (50:50) solution containing 0.5% Tween 20 (polyoxyethelyene sorbitan monolaurate, CAS RN 9005-64-5). Compounds ae applied at 1000 g/h. The test plants are then grown in a glasshouse under controlled conditions in a glasshouse (at 24/16° C., day/night; 14 hours light; 65% humidity) and watered twice daily. After 13 days for pre and post-emergence, the test is evaluated for the percentage damage caused to the plant. The biological activities are shown in the following table on a five point scale (5=80-100%; 4=60-79%; 3=40-59%; 2=20-39%; 1=0-19%).

TABLE B1 POST Application PRE Application Compound SOLNI AMARE SETFA ALOMY ECHCG IPOHE SOLNI AMARE SETFA ALOMY ECHCG IPOHE 1.001 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 1.003 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 1.004 5 4 1 1 1 5 4 5 1 1 1 1 1.005 5 5 2 2 5 5 5 5 3 3 5 5 1.008 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 1.009 5 5 1 5 2 5 5 5 1 5 2 4 1.010 5 5 2 5 4 5 5 5 2 5 4 5 1.011 2 3 1 1 2 2 1 5 1 1 1 1 1.012 4 5 4 2 3 5 1 4 1 1 1 1 1.013 5 4 1 2 1 5 5 5 2 2 1 4 1.014 5 5 1 3 3 5 5 5 1 4 3 4

TABLE B2 POST Application PRE Application Compound AMARE LOLPE STEME DIGSA AMARE LOLPE STEME DIGSA 1.002 5 1 2 1 5 1 1 1 1.006 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 1.007 5 2 5 5 5 1 4 3 1.015 4 4 4 1 5 3 3 1 1.016 3 1 1 1 4 1 2 1 2.001 3 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 2.002 5 2 5 4 5 2 3 3 2.003 5 2 5 4 5 1 1 1 

1. A method of controlling weeds at a locus, said method comprising application to the locus of a weed controlling amount of a herbicidal composition comprising a compound of Formula (I).

or an agronomically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:— R¹ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆haloalkyl and C₁-C₆alkoxy-C₁-C₃alkyl; R² is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆alkyl-, C₁-C₆haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆alkoxy-C₁-C₆alkyl-, C₁-C₃alkoxy-C₂-C₃alkoxy-C₁-C₃alkyl-, halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆alkyl-S(O)p- and C₁-C₆haloalkyl-S(O)_(p)—; X is CR³ or N; R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆haloalkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy-C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆haloalkoxy-C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy-C₁-C₆alkoxy-C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy, C₁-C₆haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆alkoxy-C₁-C₆alkoxy, C₁-C₆alkylamino, C₁-C₆dialkylamino-, piperidino, morpholino, cyano, C₁-C₆alkyl-S(O)p- and C₁-C₆haloalkyl-S(O)_(p)—; R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆haloalkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy-C₁-C₆alkyl, halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆alkyl-S(O)p- and C₁-C₆haloalkyl-S(O)_(p)—; or R³ and R⁴ together form a saturated 5- or 6-membered ring, optionally containing an oxygen or a S(O)_(p) heteroatom, the 5- or 6-membered ring being optionally substituted by one or more R⁶; R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of, hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl and C₁-C₆ haloalkyl; or R⁴ and R⁵ together form a 5- or 6-membered aromatic ring, optionally containing a nitrogen heteroatom, the 5- or 6-membered aromatic ring being optionally substituted by one or more R⁶; R⁶ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆haloalkyl, C_(r) C₆alkoxy-C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆haloalkoxy-C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy-C₁-C₆alkoxy-C₁-C₆alkyl-, C₁-C₆alkoxy and C₁-C₆haloalkoxy; and p=0, 1 or
 2. 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein R¹ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆alkyl and R² is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₆ alkyl-, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl-, C₁-C₆ alkoxy-C₁-C₆alkyl-, halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₆alkyl-S(O)p- and C₁-C₆haloalkyl-S(O)_(p)—; and R⁵ is hydrogen or C₁-C₆alkyl.
 3. A method according to claim 1, wherein R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, trifluoromethyl and methyl-S(O)₂—.
 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl and C₁-C₆haloalkyl.
 5. A method according to claim 4, wherein R⁵ is C₁-C₆alkyl.
 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein X is CR³.
 7. A method according to claim 1, wherein R⁴ and R⁵ together form a 5- or 6-membered aromatic ring, optionally containing a nitrogen heteroatom, the 5- or 6-membered aromatic ring being optionally substituted by one or more R⁶.
 8. A compound of Formula (Ie)

wherein R¹, R² and R⁶ are as defined in claim 1 or claim 2, and n=0, 1, 2 or
 3. 9. A compound of Formula (Ic′):—

or an agronomically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:— R¹ is methyl; R² is selected from the group consisting of methyl, fluoro, chloro, trifluoromethyl and methyl-S(O)₂—; X is CH; R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, trifluoromethyl and methyl-S(O)₂—; R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of chlorine, fluorine and methyl.
 10. A herbicidal composition comprising a compound according to claim 8 and an agriculturally acceptable formulation adjuvant.
 11. A method according to claim 1, or a herbicidal composition according to claim 10, wherein the herbicidal composition further comprises at least one additional pesticide.
 12. A method or herbicidal composition according claim 11, wherein the additional pesticide is a herbicide and/or a herbicide safener.
 13. (canceled) 